Spa Valley Railway
Royal Tunbridge Wells, West Kent
Image: Spa Valley RailwayThe Spa Valley Railway is a volunteer-supported heritage line running steam and heritage diesel trains between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge through the High Weald. Ride the line for the countryside views, or time your visit for one of its dining trains, family days or festivals. It suits families and rail enthusiasts and makes an easy half day from the town.
Highlights
- Steam and heritage diesel trains
- Route between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge
- Dining trains and themed events
- Annual real ale and cider festival
Good to know
- Well-behaved dogs travel free but must be kept clear of the aisle
- Tickets can be bought on the day at Tunbridge Wells West or booked online
Getting there
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against spavalleyrailway.co.uk, spavalleyrailway.co.uk, spavalleyrailway.co.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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What's on at Spa Valley Railway
Image: Spa Valley RailwayThe Polar Express Experience
The Polar Express Train Ride runs on Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells on selected dates from 6 November to 30 December 2026, with no departures on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Santa walks through the carriages and gives each child a silver sleigh bell. Booking is required, and it suits families and young children.
Image: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Spa Valley RailwayTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
A theatrical train ride from Tunbridge Wells West based on the much-loved film, with characters performing on board and the story read aloud. Hot chocolate and a cookie are served during the journey, and Santa hands each child a silver sleigh bell. Families are encouraged to come in pyjamas.
More things to do in Tunbridge Wells
Nearby
Photo of Royal Tunbridge Wells: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0Tales of Tunbridge Wells audio trail
A free app that guides you round 30 historic sites in Tunbridge Wells, from the Chalybeate Spring to the Forum, using short recordings made by historians, shopkeepers, clergy and residents in 2019. It follows the town's story from the spring's discovery in 1606 to today, and works just as well from your sofa.
Image: The PantilesThe Pantiles
The Pantiles is the Georgian colonnaded walk at the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, created after the discovery of a chalybeate spring in the early 17th century gave the town its name. Today it is lined with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, and is known for its jazz nights. It is free to wander and makes an easy couple of hours on any visit to the town.
Photo of Royal Tunbridge Wells: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0The Chalybeate Spring
The iron-rich spring that a passing nobleman, Lord North, stumbled on in 1606 is the reason Tunbridge Wells grew into a spa town at all. It sits on The Pantiles, restored and flowing again, and is a short, free stop on any walk around the old town.